New Delhi: To curb the pollution from firecrackers in the national capital the Delhi Police has been on alert for enforcing the firecracker ban on Diwali. All 377 teams of police and government officials are working continuously to check the illegal sale and use of firecrackers in the city.
As per a senior police official, people who are found bursting firecrackers will have to face legal action. The air quality in Delhi has been deteriorating gradually even before the celebration begins.
AQI in ‘very poor’ and ‘severe’ category
On October 30 the average AQI in Delhi showed a slight rise, from 268 to 307 at 4 pm. The PM 2.5 remains at 346 while PM 10 at 532. This comes under ‘very poor’ category as per Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB).
On October 31, the AQI recorded at different places of Delhi are Anand Vihar (419), Delhi Institute of Tool Engineering (345), ITI Jahangirpuri (321), Loni (308), Loni (308), Narela (308), New Sarup Nagar (301), Prashant Vihar (306), Rohini Sector 7 (305).
AQI between 0 and 50 is considered good, 50 to 100 as satisfactory, 101 to 200 as moderate, 201 to 300 as poor, 301 to 400 as very poor and 400 to 500 as severe, as per the guidelines of CPCB. The average air quality in Delhi falls under ‘very poor’ category while many areas also have ‘severe’ category air quality as per the AQI reading.
GRAP Stage-III could be enforced
As the celebration of Diwali begins from evening the AQI is expected see a rise from ‘very poor’ to ‘severe category.’ The commission for Air Quality Management (CAQM) has already invoked Stage-II of Graded Response Action Plan (GRAP) which is implemented when the air quality falls under Very Poor category (AQI 301-400). The Stage-III of GRAP is enforced when the AQI in most areas reach Severe category. The residents are requested to stay indoors, use masks and avoid any usage of firecrackers.
